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Topic: The Great Game (Read 1592 times)

Some time I ago I decided that I had way too much free time and I've always wanted to run a multiple-race conventional start on Earth - inspired by the many excellent fictions already existing on this site. However, I realized that I couldn't really play multiple factions by myself because I would either favour one over the others or I couldn't really make them different enough from each other. But then it hit me - what if all the factions are run by actual people?

I hang around another forum quite a lot, so I asked for interest and got plenty of it. I laid down some ground rules, where I'm the only one with the game and responsible for handing out necessary information. Several players have never even tried out Aurora so trips to the Wiki became necessary. I named it the "Great Game" in honour of the Imperialistic era in human history, as I predict that something similar will happen but IN SPACE! Factions have realistic populations, as of 2010. I had to fiddle with the industries quite a bit, to better reflect "reality". Then I SM'd away the shipyards and maintenance supplies. Each player starts at the threshold of TN-discovery but with very little infrastructure - they have a handful of labs, bunch of conventional industry, single Ground Force Training Facility and Military Academy, few nukes and some ground units.

I won't be able to go into much more detail over here either, as I'm afraid some of the players might find this thread and thus gain valuable information.

Thus far, the game has progressed from 2012 to 2016 and notable events has been the 2nd Korean War, which saw Russia, EU and EAF join forces to crush the North-Koreans and annex them as part of EAF. China participated as well and got some loot out of the thing.

The world has changed drastically in the last two years and the changes are most likely over quite yet. This little booklet is our best attempt at explaining to you, dear reader, these new players on the global field and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Should you invest your money into the Far-East? Will the African Union surprise shrew businesses? Read on and find out!

African UnionThis federal union consists of all the sub-Saharan African nations, including Madagascar and the smaller island nations plus South-Sudan who barely managed to remain independent for two months before joining with the AU. It is undoubtedly the poorest of the new global players and most backwards but with a large population that is still growing, AU can only go up and forward, unless the border tensions with the Islamic Caliphate erupt into an outright war. Our financial analysts estimate that AU's wealth creations is in the high 2000s or the low 3000s. Their industrial base is also smallish as the neverending conflicts seemed to prevent investment prior to the revolution known as "TN". Our industrial experts rate it roughly at three hundred. Militarily, AU is quite strong conventionally, though lacks nuclear deterrence.

BrazilSurprisingly enough, there was no amalgamation of nations in South-America. Brazil has announced her intention of developing and exploiting TN-minerals alone. At the moment, the other South-American nations seem to be content to watch from the sidelines. Brazil's economy is fairly weak, estimated to be in the low-mid 2000s but that is only when compared to the big blocs. Industrially, Brazil is estimated to be in a similar shape to the African Union. Militarily, Brazil is supreme on South-America, though she lacks a nuclear deterrent.

ChinaThe giant in the East, China has grown by leaps and bounds, eventually frightening its neighbours so badly that they formed two different counter-blocs. China is a good bet for future success in this revitalized "Great Game" for TN-minerals and their exploitation. China has a stable, sizeable economy, estimated at high 15000s to low 16000s, as befits the country with the largest population on Earth. China benefited greatly from the globalization process, having a large industrial base that our experts estimate to be over one-and-a-half thousand. Similarly, the Chinese military machine is quite threatening with nearly endless amount of divisions and a hefty nuclear arsenal.

CommonwealthThe British Empire has made a comeback! It was always clear how uneasy the British were about the deepening Federalisation of the European Union. Thus, after the serious arguments in Brussels about the future direction of EU, former Prime Minister Cameron announced UK's shocking dismissal of EU. While many analysts predicted poor things for the lonely island nation, the emergence of TN-minerals reignited their vigor - and with strategic allies Canada, Australia and New-Zealand, the new Commonwealth is well poised on the global field. Her economy is stable, surpassing Brazil's, in the mid-to-high 2000s. Her industrial base suffered during the globalization period but is undoubtedly now regrowing, though still estimated by our experts to be somewhat below three hundred. While their military forces are small, are they well trained and equipped and one should not forget that UK still has her nuclear inventory - small but effective.

East Asian FederationApparently scared by the limitless growth of China, Japanese diplomats managed to overcome historical ghosts and convinced her former exploited colonies to join her once again - if only to avoid Communist Chinese overlords now that USA has turned isolationist once more. South-Korea, Taiwan and Philippines joined up with Japan to form this loose federation that has expressed great interest in exploiting TN-minerals. Several tigers of Asia united, their economy is strong, estimated to be in the mid-5000s, low-6000s. While these countries didn't gain as much industrial investment that China got, their industrial base is still quite strong, estimated to be at five hundred or so. Militarily though, EAF is somewhat weak - her troops dispersed over a large area and with no nuclear weapons to keep the big bad China at bay!

European UnionFew people started ringing death bells to the EU when UK left but those people were far too pessimistic as Iceland, Norway and even Switzerland decided to join the Union after the discovery of TN-minerals. EU is courting Turkey and Ukraine as well, though the membership discussions are currently frozen due to resistance from some European populations and opposition from both the Islamic Caliphate and the new Russian Federation. EU's economy is viable and strong, at roughly 10 000 or so. Her industry suffered somewhat during the globalization period, though luckily much of it was from West and North Europe into East and South Europe, her industry currently estimated to be in nine hundred or so. Military, EU's traditional weak point, hasn't changed. Thanks to France, EU commands a small nuclear arsenal and her weak conventional armies surely need that help.

Islamic CaliphateFacing the very true possibility of disappearing or at least largely diminishing oil income, many Arab countries had to face tough calls. With their neighbours integrating more deeply and gaining strength, even the ancient division between Sunni and Shi'a seems to have diminished when the Islamic Caliphate was formed. From Morocco on the Atlantic Coast to Pakistan on the Indian Ocean, ISCA is a mysterious player on the global field. Iranians and Arabs seem to be sharing power equally at the moment but for how long can such a peaceful co-existence last? Neither has the question of Israel been solved. In any case, the economy of ISCA has diminished due to projected lessening demand of petroleum projects in the future. Still, our analysts have placed it at mid-4000s. Their industrial capability is nothing spectacular, being somewhat smaller than even African Union or Brazil. Still, they have the nuclear capability of Pakistan to augment their large conventional forces but they are surrounded by enemies - African Union to the south, China to the east and Russia to the north. EU and India will most likely remain neutral towards the ISCA in the near future.

Russian FederationWhile Russia recovered nicely from the 1990s, they are still only a shadow of the former glory of the USSR. Though now that Belarus and the Central Asia states joined the new Russian Federation, Russia is one to keep an eye on. Their economy is strong, comparable to the oil riches of the ISCA, though with a slightly better industrial capability of roughly four hundred. They still boast a large nuclear arsenal, though some elements are assuredly obsolete. However, the Red Army has been modernized into a leaner, meaner configuration that is surely enough to defend the Rodina against all enemies.

South East Asian AllianceThe SEA Alliance is the most curious creation of the new power-blocs on the global stage. Led by Thailand, it also incorporates the economic powerhouse of Singapore, the population-rich Indonesia, the tough and expanding Vietnam, the formerly isolated Myanmar and even Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia decided to join into the Alliance. Surely the background politicking between various nations is fierce. However, their economy seems to be in good shape, estimated at high-5000s, low-6000s. Their industrial potential might not rival China but is still nothing to be ashamed of, clocking roughly at six hundred. SEAA lacks an nuclear inventory and her conventional forces are not very impressive either - the modern Singapore army is tiny, whereas the large Indonesian army is mostly obsolete, just to have name two examples.

United States of AmericaUSA, the former superpower, turned isolationist in the veining months of the War Against Terror. Her economy, even after the Crash of '08, is still largish enough to rival the tigers of Asia, around low-to-mid-6000s. Though her industrial might was severely hampered by the globalization, it still stands at respectable six hundred or so. Her military is probably the finest on Earth, supported by a small but modern nuclear arsenal. USA, with the largest research capability amongst all the new players, is well situated to exploit these new TN-minerals in this new Great Game.

tumultuous events have happened in the global community. Yes, you read that correctly! It seems that the founding of the so-called Trans-Newtonian Minerals has achieved a new race, or perhaps a new Great Game between the great power-blocs of the world. How come, might the astute reader ask. Let me inform you, then, of organizational changes that have happened - a creation of a true Space Arm for almost all the armed forces on the planet. What can this mean? Surely, only the renewal of the Cold War era Space Race, except pumped up to eleven, since this time there are many competitors, not just two. Many readers might remember that several countries aspired to the stars, creating their own space programs under the shadows of the American NASA and the Russian program - the European Space Agency, the Japanese Space Program, the Chinese taikonauts reached high orbit - even India and Malaysia were quite keen on this 'new' geopolitical game. But now the TN-minerals and the new avenues of research and science that they seem to be opening, will allow many others to reach for the heavens. Many will lament that it seems that space will be militarized, others will recognize this as a necessary fact - since from the times of Ancient Greece, that old military axiom: "He who holds the higher ground, wins" has been known. It would be foolish to expect that this fragmented race of ours, could somehow reach new highs with purely pacifistic measures. No, dear readers, I can assure you that space will be militarized but by whom and to what extent, remains to be seen. Much is resting on the shoulders of the officers listed below.

Below is a chart naming the currently appointed leaders of each state's space 'navy'. It is remarkable how young most of them are. This surely speaks volumes of the need for new, fresh approaches to space exploration, understood in all nations.

The British Commonwealth has created a Geology team to prospect for further Trans-Newtonian minerals. Led by Captain Emma Ferguson, the team will soon fly all over the Commonwealth, performing experimental drilling operations, in the hope of finding new veins of TN minerals. The Commonwealth Press Office had the following to say:

Quote

"In the spirit of human progress and to promote economical development the Commonwealth has created a geology team, helping in this way to create the basis for new markets and commercial possibilities that will be of benefit for all."

Some experts have voiced concerns that since TN-minerals are only found very deep in the Earth's core, the results of this team could affect all nations, instead of just the Commonwealth. GNN will keep you updated.

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Global News NetworkDiplomatic News - January 3rd, 2012

According to anonymous sources, the East Asian Federation (EAF), has dispatched a diplomatic envoy to the isolated pariah-state of North-Korea. Curiously, all members of the diplomatic team were wearing military uniforms. EAF has not publicly acknowledged this move. North-Korea has traditionally seen as an ally of China - perhaps EAF hopes to change this situation?

Similarly, Indian diplomatic mission, led by veteran diplomat Ambika Gaekwad, was seen landing in Sri Lanka. After the violent suppression of the Tamil insurgency, Sri Lanka has started to move forward to the global stage, though still ravaged by extreme poverty. Is India trying to keep her little neighbour under the Big Brother's watchful eye?

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Global News NetworkScience News - January 4th, 2012

India has also created a Geology team! Is this a response for the team created by Commonwealth, their former colonial masters? India's team is led by Commander Dakshina Sadathia, known amongst experts as an old-hand of maritime surveying. No comment has been forthcoming from India.

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Global News NetworkScience News - February 4th, 2012.

India's Geology team already hitting gold! Team leader Dakshina Sadathia just announced that additional veins of Sorium has been found, 100 000 tons of it to be exact. Just like all the other TN-veins, however, the additional Sorium is situated deep in Earth's core, available to all with the proper mining equipment and refining facilities.

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Global News NetworkScience News - 28th March 2012

The Commonwealth Geology team, led by Emma Ferguson, today announced results of their ongoing search. Roughly 200,000 tons of Duranium have been located deep in Earth's crust. The team was all smiles as they declared teamwork and impeccable education as the reasons for such a tremendous find. Ferguson herself said that further prospecting will be undertaken.

No comment was received by GNN from the Indian Geology team.

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Global News NetworkInfrastructure & Industry Report15th May 2012

USA BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF A MASS DRIVER!

GNN news team is on place at Utah, where the President of the United States is about to cut the symbolic ribbon in front of a gigantic construction site. The very first practical Mass Driver in the whole world is about to receive it's "basement stone". As the first of its kind, it is impossible to give any sort of estimate on how long this construction will take but our analysts claim that it will take longer than a year, perhaps even two, as nothing similar - on this scale - has been previously attempted. The Mass Driver 1 built by MIT students back in 1977 was a tiny contraception in comparison. Just what America tries to achieve with this Mass Driver is currently unknown - some experts speculate that it could be used to dispose of radioactive waste in a safe manner. Others claim that, thanks to TN-materials, it could be strong and accurate enough to lift cargo not only on Low Earth Orbit but even to Medium Earth Orbit, where the Geosynchronous satellites are located. We will maintain our watch here, waiting for the President's speech. Back to the studio!

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Global News NetworkScience News28th August 2012

New mineral deposit found

The Indian team did it again! Team leader Dakshina Sadathia was proud to announce that roughly 100,000 tons of Gallicite were discovered. Once again, the deposit is deep in the crust of Earth, making it available to all nations. Ms.Sadathia promises that "the search is on-going, day and night!"

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Global News NetworkInfrastructure & Industry Report5th October 2012

EU AND EAF TO BUILD THEIR OWN MASS DRIVERS - A NEW RACE TO SPACE?

In a surprise turn, both the European Union and the East Asian Federation announced their plans to build Mass Drivers of their own. The EU one will be built on the plains of Slovenia and will take advantage of the Alps. The EAF one will be built in Japan, on Shizuoka and will similarly take advantage of Mt. Kurohoshi and Mt. Daimugen.

Our in-house experts all agree that this means a serious escalation of the New Space Race, so far only speculated of. GNN has sent news teams to both EU and EAF in the hopes of getting more in-depth coverage of the starting construction work.

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Global News NetworkScience & Industry News2nd November 2012

SPACEPORT CONSTRUCTION BEGINS IN AMERICA

Today, amid great celebrations, the President himself opened up the construction of America's first so-called "Space Port" here in Barstow, California. The large construction site, along the small Irwin Road is a beehive of activity as officials and diplomats of all kinds have gathered to marks this great moment. The sleepy little town of Barstow will surely experience great changes in near future, as workers and money will be flooding the area, not to mention all the traffic when the space port is active. Barstow-Daggett Community airport will likely rival JFK in few years!

"We could have chosen another site, naturally, but this time location and availability of land were the critical factors. Here we won't be plagued by hurricanes or tropical storms like in Florida", said NASA spokeswoman Cate Mulligan. Our experts predict that American predictions of finishing initial round of construction and expansion are too optimistic and that the space port won't open to business until 2017.

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Global News NetworkHeadlines16th December 2012

INDIA ANNOUNCES NEW TN-VEIN! BUT THAT'S IT!

Dakshina Sadathia, the leader of India's prominent Geological team, announced today that her team had found an additional vein of Boronide - roughly 100,000 tons or so. Unfortunately, they also announced that the Crust of the Earth has now been fully searched and there is nothing to be done for either improving accessibility or size of the veins.

"This is it. Unlike peak oil or gas, we now know exactly - everyone knows exactly, how much we have. It's now just a matter of using it wisely and hopefully finding new sources. Other planetary crusts? I'm certain that asteroids and comets could be excellent sources as well", Ms.Sadathia reported to GNN afterwards.

The Presidents of both India and Sri Lanka signed today agreements, that upon ratification will officially ally Sri Lanka with India. We do not currently have details of the agreements but will let our viewers know as soon as possible. We are also waiting for the official announcement from India.

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Global News NetworkScience and Industry7th February 2013

CELEBRATIONS ERUPT ACROSS EUROPE AS THE MASS DRIVER COMPLETES ITS FIRST TEST RUN

Massive celebrations have been occurring in all the large cities in Europe as the Slovenian-based European mass driver successfully finished its first test run. An ISO sea container, filled with sensors and communications equipped, was successfully lobbed to low Earth orbit. European officials have been tight-lipped about the purpose of the mass driver but since they just announced the construction of a space port in Bavaria, Germany, our analysts assume that the EU is keen on racing the United States to space.

Meanwhile, there is growing uncertainty in the United Nations as several other nations have voiced their concern over the mass drivers being built and the possible danger they pose to all humanity, since what goes up, must come down.

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Global News NetworkInternational Politics10th May 2013

POWER STRUGGLE IN NORTH-KOREA?

Conflicting reports arriving from the isolated country seem to indicate that the country is in turmoil. The recently promoted General Secretary of the Workers Party, the de facto leader, Kim Jong-un, has not been seen in public for the last month, spurring on rumours of a possible coup. Meanwhile, there has apparently been some sort of violent clashes on the streets of Pyongyang, the capital. Experts speculate that the young Kim Jong-un never managed to consolidate his power and now infighting between the military and the Party, or at least factions amongst them, has spilled to the streets. Naturally, all these reports are unconfirmed at this moment.

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Global News NetworkScience and Industry2nd June 2013

AMERICAN MASS DRIVER OFFICIALLY IN BUSINESS

Delegations from several foreign states were witnessing as the President of the United States pushed, for the very first time, the launch button and "shot" a small scientific satellite to space today. While the European Union won the prestige race for the very first operational mass driver, the race for a fully functional space port is still on as feverish construction takes place in both Europe and America.

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Global News NetworkEmerging News - Special Broadcast8th July 2013

CRISIS IN KOREA?

This just in - explosions have been heard in Seoul, the capital of South-Korea and one of the most important cities in the East Asian Federation. The number of explosions seems to indicate that this could be an actual missile barrage from North-Korea instead of some other explanation. There has been no word from authorities yet, neither has there been confirmation of any casualties. We will keep you updated as the situation progresses.

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Global News NetworkWar in Korea9th July 2013

WAR IN KOREA!

The army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), or as it is commonly known, North-Korea, have started their invasion of South-Korea, now a member of the East Asian Federation. The attack started with a bombardment of Seoul and the De-Militarized Zone. Casualties in the South-Korean capital have been heavy - while exact numbers are still not known, Red Cross and the authorities estimate the death toll to be over twenty thousand people. We still do not have any news from the front lines but the sounds of fighting are easy to hear. North-Korea has announced that its war against EAF is retaliation after the Federation committed "gross acts of sabotage, murder and espionage" against the DPRK.

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Global News NetworkSecond Korean War11th July 2013

DPRK FORCES MOVE SOUTH

Third day of the renewed Korean conflict has seen the DPRK units gain some ground south of the DMZ, though their advance has not been anywhere near as rapid as it was in 1950. The EAF units facing them have proven themselves in combat it seems and have apparently caused some serious casualties to DPRK forces already.

The bombardment of Seoul continues, though EAF air forces are trying to locate and strike the artillery and missile positions responsible. DPRK does not seem to care about civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, the international outcry has had no effect on DPRK who have not made any further public comments after releasing a video showing the execution of ten alleged saboteurs.

WAR EXPANDS?

Fears of the war expanding gained new wind after observers spotted Russian formations that are usually garrisoned in western Russia arriving at Vladivostok. The town of Khasan, on the very border, has been closed to foreigners and media. The European Union has also pledged military support for the EAF, though units would likely take several days to arrive to the Korean peninsula, whether they are allowed access through Russia or they are ferried by sea. Whether DPRK assumes these powers are bluffing remains to be seen.

It is also unknown what is the exact purpose of PLA troops that are also concentrating on the border of China and North-Korea. Will China repeat history here?

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Global News NetworkSecond Korean War17th July 2013

SUCCESS FOR EAF - DPRK UNITS PUSHED BACK

After over a week of fighting, EAF seemingly has caught up with the DPRK forces and has now pushed them back, beyond the DMZ, advancing north. The seemingly endless missile and artillery barrage of Seoul has also stopped. For the last two days no explosions have been heard on the capital of South-Korea, a great relief to the civilian population. Local opinion seem to be quite hopeful about the eventual outcome of the war.

RUSSIA AND CHINA INTERVENE

Russian troops have invaded North-Korea from the north-east successfully and are advancing south and south-west. Meanwhile, anonymous sources from the Pentagon confirm that Chinese forces have also entered North-Korea but seemingly not as allies as there has been fire fights and even air strikes by the People's Liberation Army against DPRK garrisoning units.

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Global News NetworkSecond Korean War18th July 2013

WAR ENDS - ARMISTICE AGREED UPON

A cease fire descended upon the battlefield yesterday and today the signatories of East Asian Federation, Russian Federation, European Union and the People's Republic of China met to announce together the formal annexation of former North-Korea into EAF. Further details were not provided. GNN will keep you updated as the situation develops.

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Global News NetworkSpace Engineering Section26th June 2014

EUROPEAN SPACE PORT NOW FUNCTIONAL

A veritable horde of political dignitaries and the ambassadors of nearly every nation were at hand when earlier today the European Spaceport in Bavaria was officially opened. Amongst the people present were the board members and CEO of the first European commercial space shipping line, Sailer Freight Line, currently the only commercial operator present...

Now with both a functioning Mass Driver and a Spaceport, there is nothing stopping the EU from a far more active exploitation of space. Some analysts have stated that this is their primary goal - utilizing the orbit for industrial and scientific purposes, on a scale only imagined before. It is rumoured that an actual space ship yard could now be built. No comment has been forthcoming from the EU press office.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News11th March 2015

ARGENTINA JOINS WITH BRAZIL

Tumultuous news from the Latin-America: Brazilian and Argentinian diplomats have just announced the conclusion of over a year of negotiations and talks with the aim of uniting the two largest countries in South-America. An announcement will be published shortly.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News12th July 2015

EAST ASIAN MASS DRIVER LOBS ITS FIRST PACKET TO HIGH EARTH ORBIT

Yesterday, the final test run of the EAF Mass Driver was concluded successfully and an official opening ceremony was held at the site. Many curious people had gathered around to see what they could of the launch. Thus EAF joins the United States of America and the European Union as a third nation on Earth capable of transporting massive amounts of material to orbit easily.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News28th October 2015

EUROPEAN UNION STARTS BUILDING THE WORLD'S FIRST SPACE SHIPYARD

Dignitaries of several nations were watching, alongside the EU Parliament and Commission and the national leaders of the whole Union, as the European Mass Driver launched its first proper payload up to orbit. Meanwhile, the European space port also had its first proper launches as the European Space Shuttle Pythagoras took a work crew of fully trained zero-gravity technicians "up". Even the cold rain of this abnormally cold October could not dampen spirits, as many speeches and toasts lauded the spirit and unity of Europe - now the first world power to actually reach for a permanent manned presence in orbit. European officials have been very quiet about the timeline for this project but our inside sources have stated that it will be "years, not months" - quite understandable as no construction like this has ever been attempted before.

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Global News NetworkTechnology News2nd February 2016

AMERICA UNVEILS THE NEW FACE OF ITS ARMY: MOBILE INFANTRY

GNN was present at Fort Bragg where Brigadier General Tanner Alford hosted the first demonstration of the all-new, TN-fuelled, American Army. Drawing inspiration from an old science fiction book by Robert Heinlein, the new force is called Mobile Infantry. And what a sight it is! The old dream of both military strategists and sci-fi buffs is finally here: the Power Armour. Brigadier Alford explained us that this extremely resilient, high-powered personal protection suit (HPPPS) allows soldiers full range of movement while protecting them from the dangers of a modern battlefield. It even includes limited NBC protection.

This reported was extremely impressed by the show that the Army put up. The new troopers moved just as fast as normal troopers and were quite a menacing sight, as they captured a mock-up enemy base during the demonstration. Some soldiers carried what seemed to be high-powered assault rifles, while others - thanks to the power of the HPPPS - carried miniguns and mortars just as easily.

Read further for an analysis by our strategy expert, on how this quantum leap in ground force prowess will affect global balance of power, page 24.

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And that's about as far as we've gotten. I didn't post the public PR/propaganda/saber rattling that the players have done because many of them use loads and loads of pictures. Read the thread for the full experience tm, though some might find parts somewhat offensive.

I read through all 13 pages and looks like something I could get into.

I wonder what could be made of the remaining central and south American countries, ULAC (United Latin American Countries) banding together against American and Brazilian aggression? I imagine population would be decent due to Mexico, Research facilities would be poor, economy would be low but manufacturing would be reasonable with all the relocated American facilities that moved south of the border.... hrmm

In what can only be described as a hugely successful operation, the Islamic Caliphate (ISCA) today revealed that it had been working on a Mass Driver for some time and is now ready to join America, EU and the EAF as the fourth power on the planet to wield a fully functioning one, capable of transporting large quantities of material to high orbit and beyond. Reactions in the rest of the world have been mixed - stunned silence and amazement at this feat.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News12th August 2016

WIKILEAKS REVEAL SECRETS OF 'POWER ARMOUR'

American officials are furious now that the whistle-blowing Internet organization, WikiLeaks, has revealed the technical specifications and compounds required to construct Powered Armour, though our experts were quick to point out that these are very limited designs and lack most of the mobility of the suits the American Army is using. The information does not include any weapon or advanced sensor or communications data, which are crucial on the modern battlefield. Still, calls of 'terrorism' are heard Coast-to-Coast today, especially since WikiLeaks information has been downloaded by virtually every nation on the planet.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News22nd October 2016

ALLIANCES GROW: BANGLADESH TO JOIN INDIA, TURKEY TO JOIN THE EU!

In what can only be called a great day of changes, two formerly unaligned nations have now pledged their support, Bangladesh is to join India and Turkey is to join the European Union. What a surprising move on the global stage, as both nations were considered to belong to the Islamic sphere of influence and were expected to formally join the Islamic Caliphate at some point. Questions thus arise of the diplomatic savvy of the ISCA. GNN has not been able to reach ISCA for any comments. Both India and the EU have promised to deliver formal announcement later today. Stay tuned, viewers!

In other news, American Colonel Tina Helmuth has died in an car accident near Pentagon yesterday. Colonel Helmuth was one of the leading field officers of the US Army and her division was to be converted into the new Mobile Infantry soon. Officials have ruled out foul play.

Also in this segment, rumour of serious Duranium shortages affecting production in Brazil are spreading. There is no official word yet but anonymous sources have confirmed to the GNN that Brazilian construction have been outstripping mineral production for an extended period of time. Is the new Latin Worker's Paradise in serious trouble or is this a mere hiccup on the road to Greatness?

Lastly, the celebrated Thai scientist, Sunan Khunpluem today received the coveted Mondialogo engineering award for his ground breaking work in streamlining and improving laboratory procedures and automation to new levels. He is widely considered to be the top of his field in the world. Mr Khunpluem has recently expanded his work to also include modelling, as the barely 25 years old scientific prodigy with rock star looks has created much interest in the academia across the South East Asian Alliance, especially amongst the female population. His face has decorated the covers of both Thai Vogue and Singapore Cosmopolitan, in addition to Scientific American and the Times.

Today marks a day of celebration for the East Asians, as their space port has been officially opened! It's a matter of utmost prestige, especially as it was started later than the American one, a project which has stumbled in delays and budget overruns, it was still finished earlier and now is only the second Space Port on planet. Will EAF follow the footsteps of EU is not currently known.

After several delays and worries of budget overruns, the Space Port at Barstow, California, was opened to public. The CEO of Hedley Shipping Company, Andrew Hedley, met with the President as they jointly cut the ceremonial ribbon. HSC will be the first commercial operator, though currently without any ships to operate.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News22nd April 2017

MASS DRIVER NOW WORKING IN BRAZIL!

The fifth mass driver is now functional on planet Earth, this one in Brazil, though GNN was refused entry to the exact location and had to rely on official Government press releases, including some videos. Our analysts have declared them authentic. The Brazilian mass driver is apparently fairly identical to the other ones built so far.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News12th December 2017

EUROPEAN ORBITAL SHIPYARD DECLARED READY FOR BUSINESS!

In a ceremony, that was curiously held planet-side, EU officials toasted the European spirit and engineering skill as the first European orbital shipyard complex, named Schichau, was officially declared to be "in business". GNN was not permitted entrance to the actual shipyard but our sources could reveal that it floats completely in space, anchored on what is known as a Geo-synchronous orbit, above Europe. This is to facilitate easier movement of materials from the European mass driver.

Beginning of 2018 was somewhat slow. GNN reports resume from October 2018:

Global News NetworkIndustrial News28th October 2018

LIBERTADORES SPACE PORT OPENED

Today saw the opening of the first commercial spaceport in South-America. Both Brazilian and Argentinian dignitaries hosted diplomatic guests from nearly every country in the Americas and other friendly nations around the globe. Speeches saluting the prowess of socialism were heard as the first shuttles took work crews to orbit. It seems that Libertadores is going to emulate the European Union and start large scale construction work in orbit.

RUMOURS OF EUROPEAN SPACE SHIP INTENSIFY

The rumour mill surrounding the European Space Program has switched to even more feverish gear, as more and more construction crews are shuttled "up". Anonymous sources have confirmed to GNN that a space ship is indeed under construction but would not reveal any details, aside from the fact that it will be a far more massive vessel than the old American space shuttle ever was. The EU Press Office has, so far, declined our requests for in-depth interviews or a chance to visit the orbital ship yard.

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Global News NetworkEuropean News11th January 2019

NEW EUROPEAN MILITARY ACADEMY OPENED

Today saw the official opening of the new military, or "leadership" academy, as the EU Press Office called it, on Unter Den Linden, in Berlin. Among the European dignitaries were diplomats both from the Russian Federation and the East-Asian Federation.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News26th January 2019

EARTH RUNS OUT OF CORBOMITE!

Several prominent geologists have confirmed to GNN that one of the eleven Trans-Newtonian minerals has been completely mined. The veins, deep in Earth's crust, that carried Corbomite, were becoming smaller and smaller in the last few months and now there is not a single ton left. Most countries have some stockpiles of the material and experts assure us that it is not the most critical of TN-minerals. Still, all eyes turn to the skies above us now, for further mineral finds. Corundium is expected to run out next and this mineral is far more important than Corbomite.

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Global News NetworkEuropean News28th April 2019

NEW RUSSIAN MILITARY ACADEMY OPENS ITS DOORS

Dignitaries from around the world were present when the new Russian academy opened its doors at Moscow. This educational investment will surely pay off in the future, was the gist of the speech by Russian president Aleksi Belyayev.

Among the official celebrations now that Chile has joined the Libertadores were seeds of distraught as well. Our reporters have found out that both EAF and Commonwealth diplomats have been busy - and still are - in the continent. A South-American Union or Confederacy seems to be even further removed from reality. What will the future hold for the Latinos? Turn to page 11 for more in-depth coverage and page 35 for picture slide show of the Chilean celebrations.

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Galactic News NetworkIndustrial News23rd August 2019

EAF BUILDING SECRET ORBITAL SHIPYARDS!

GNN has just received information from trusted, anonymous sources that show that the East-Asian Federation (EAF) has already started work on an orbital shipyard, or a spaceyard as they are known colloquially. Similarly to the EU one, it is believed to be on a geo-synchronous orbit, though above Japan. Apparently construction work is far enough that some well-equipped amateur astronomers have spotted the construction project that already rivals the International Space Station. We have asked the EAF Press Office for a comment.

This brings up the total count of orbital shipyards under construction to three. It is believed that both the American and Libertadores shipyards are further along than the EAF one, though this cannot be confirmed as none of the powers have allowed GNN to visit their orbital facilities. Of course, readers should not forget that the European Union has a fully functional one already. For more insider speculation about the European space ship, turn to page 12.

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Galactic News NetworkBreaking News3rd September 2019

CORUNDIUM RUNS OUT!

Geologists world over confirmed today that Corundium has run out, deep in the Earth's crust. This is the second TN-Mineral to be completely mined out. It is believed that all Powers have extensive stockpiles of this important mineral. However, future deficiencies are expected to become severe when these stockpiles run out, unless additional sources are secured.

SURPRISE BREAKTHROUGH FROM LIBERTADORES

Mercedes Delagarza Delapaz, a relatively unknown 22-year old material physicist from Sao Paulo, has just announced a new way to utilize Duranium. Her paper, titled "Manipulating Duranium in Vacuum Conditions" explains a relatively simple way to utilize this TN-mineral in relatively simple way, so it becomes as pliable as steel, though only in vacuum conditions. This announcement made other material physicist, not to mention military equipment companies, salivate.

However, her second announcement was even more shocking: the raven haired beauty made her findings completely public, through the website WikiLeaks. She justified her actions by citing "corruption and short-sightedness amongst Libertadores R&D leadership, that have not offered me even a single lab in years. I have funded my research solely through posing in the Playboy". GNN has confirmed her claim and Duranium Armor (500RP) is publicly available on WikiLeaks. Subscribers to GNN Digital Edition will be happy to hear that they can use their existing login details to access Playboy's website for a discount, as the men's magazine just announced to republish all pictures of Miss Delapaz and offering her two million dollars for a new photoshoot.

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Galactic News NetworkBreaking News18th September 2019

EU SHIP IS LAUNCHED IN SECRECY! ALL EYES STRAIN AT THE SKY!

GNN has just received confirmation that the first human Trans-Newtonian space vessel has been launched! Astronomers across the world are feverishly tracking the ship which is relatively simple as it's engines pump out enough of a thermal signature (TH 500). GNN will keep you updated as more information comes in. We have also reached out to the EU Press Office for comments. It can be said that the whole world is watching, intently, at this historic moment!

Update at 20:37The European ship has reached the Moon and is now orbiting it! This distance, which took Apollo 11 over three days, was completed in less than FIVE MINUTES!

Update at 21:41The European ship has remained in Luna orbit for an hour now. It is unknown what mission it is fulfilling. Our experts have speculated that the Europeans are testing their ship systems at Luna, which is close enough for quick laser communications with Earth.

Update at 19/09/19 16:41The European ship is still orbiting Luna. The European Press Office has not returned our queries. Our experts are still assuming that the ship is merely shaking out its various systems, though some now think that the Europeans are actually conducting something else on the Moon altogether.

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Galactic News NetworkBreaking News22nd September 2019

EU SHIP HEADING AWAY FROM EARTH

The unknown European vessel has just recently left Luna orbit and is now heading towards Mercury or possibly Mars. Still no word from the European Press Office. GNN will keep you updated as new information trickles in. Our experts are divided on just why the ship spent four days at Luna but just testing systems sound somewhat implausible.

UPDATE 23/09/2019:The European ship has bypassed Mercury and is definitely heading towards Mars. Its crew, if it is crewed - we do not even know that much! - are now making history each moment. Never before have humans been this far from our home planet. Will EU officials be the first humans on the surface of Mars?

The ship has also been lost on civilian telescopes as it passed Mercury. Mars is currently on the other side of the Sun from Earth and unfortunately our observatories are not large enough to spot a ship that small from that distance. Our experts have calculated that the European craft should be arriving at Mars orbit in less than 16 hours.

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Galactic News NetworkTracking the EURO Ship5th October 2019

EU SHIP RETURNED - AND LEFT!

Still without any official comment from the EU, other nations have grown restless. Apparently the European ship returned to low Earth orbit for refueling but quickly left again, on a trajectory towards either Mercury or Mars. We have received confirmation from anonymous but reliable sources that even the other powers are unable to track the movements of the European ship further than 120 million kilometres. Depending on orbital mechanics - the planets do not all orbit the Sun in a neat line - this sphere around the Earth can only reach Venus and Mars when they are very close to Earth. Currently Venus is 220 million kilometres away, at 295 degrees and Mars is about 370 million kilometres away, at 331 degrees. Mercury is 140 million kilometres away, at 344 degrees.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News21st January 2020

CHINESE MASS DRIVER CONSTRUCTED IN RECORD-BREAKING TIME

The People's Republic of China unveiled its Mass Driver today, as officials congratulated the workers and management for the project, which was seen through in a astonishingly short time frame. Construction of a civilian spaceport has already begun.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News26th January 2020

SMALLER NATIONS JOIN-UP WEEK

The world stage has been in a shock this week as several smaller nations have joined up with some of the Great Powers. First, Croatia joined the European Union, then Venezuela joined the Commonwealth, Colombia joined the Libertadores and finally Peru joined the East Asian Federation! Our experts and analysts are still reeling from all these changes.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News27th February 2020

INDIAN MASS DRIVER OPERATIONAL

Indian officials were overjoyed today at the opening ceremony of the sub-continents first Mass Driver. A ISO container was launched to low Earth orbit as a test procedure. Construction of a commercial spaceport was also confirmed to have started. India looks to be serious in her desire to join the Space Race.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News11th March 2020

RUSSIA JOINS THE ORBITAL CLUB

The Russian Federation today officially opened both its first Mass Driver and its first Spaceport. Work crews have already been shuttled to orbit as work on a commercial shipyard is starting.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News16th March 2020

EARTH RUNS OUT OF TRITANIUM

Tritanium became today the third TN-mineral to run dry. Experts have estimated that Uridium is the next one to go.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News26th March 2020

INDIAN SPACE PORT OPENS - LAL COLONY CORPORATION FIRST CUSTOMER

And the Indians are not satisfied yet, but have already started work on their orbital shipyard. Officials from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were all present in the opening ceremony and many of them accompanied the first work group "up".

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News11th April 2020

CHINESE SPACE PORT READY FOR JIA SHIPPING TO MOVE IN

Hot on the heels of the Indians, the People's Republic of China today announced the opening of their space port. Just like the Indians, the Chinese have also already started work on orbital shipyards. Unfortunately for our readers, neither China nor India are allowing GNN up and close to their orbital facilities under construction - following the example set by the EU. No reporter has managed to enter these constructs, so far.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News1st July 2020

MEXICO ALLIES WITH USA TO REACH STARS!

Exciting news from Washington DC, where the Presidents of the United States and Mexico have signed a binding treaty of co-operation, friendship and alliance between the two nations. The new treaty is effectively joining the industries and economies of the two countries, in hopes of becoming a powerhouse in this new Space Race.

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Global News NetworkMilitary News22nd October 2012

RUSSIA BUILDING NEW MISSILE BASES

Reliable sources from several world-class militaries have confirmed to the GNN that Russian Federation is building a new type of missile bases. These are significantly different from older, ICBM-housing missile bases. No comments have been heard from Russians, yet.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News18th November 2020

SECOND EUROPEAN SHIP EMERGES!

Yesterday amateur astronomers, the so-called "Orbit Spotters", who spend their free time observing the orbital construction projects, buzzed the Internet in excitement as they had spotted and later confirmed a second European space ship emerging from the shipyard. Interestingly, this new vessel has a smaller thermal signature to the first one, even though optical telescopes have confirmed that it's roughly three times as large as the first one. Could this be evidence of advanced thermal dampening technology amongst Europeans? Our experts are divided on the matter - whether it's some new stealth technology or just a smaller engine block.

MOST MAJOR POWERS NOW HAVE SHIPYARDS

"Orbit Spotters" have also confirmed that there are eight shipyards in orbit - two of them above India, though there is some speculation that these are actually part of the same complex. GNN can reliably confirm, thanks to anonymous sources that Libertadores, China, European Union, East-Asian Federation, Russia and USA all have a single shipyard. But details are hard to come by, as none of the nations have published any information about these constructs and feverish work seem to be happening at all of them.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News1st January 2021

FIRST IMAGES OF EUROPEAN FREIGHTER "SCHARNHORST"

Today, Sailer Freight Lines, the European conglomerate, launched its first ship. The CEO, Herbert Frankel, proudly took a group of journalists to see the ship. It is a massive construction, over 33,000 tons actually and has cargo holds for 25,000 tons. It is hard to believe that just few years ago, the best humanity could do was the American Space Shuttle that massed barely over 2,000 tons and had room for barely 24 tons - and that only for Low Earth Orbit! Scharnhorst, as the class of cargo ships is called, is able to journey 26.5 billion kilometres from Earth! That is over four times the average distance between Earth and Pluto! And this trip won't even take months and months, as the ship is able to accelerate up to 460 km/s!

Mr Frankel was also proud to show off the ultra-modern Cargo Handling System, that utilizes TN-minerals in novel ways to allow mere 10 workers to rapidly load or unload the vessel, to the waiting shuttles of the space port. The ship itself never enters the surface of an planet but unloads itself at Low Orbit, utilizing small shuttles to ferry cargo down to surface. On Earth, the Bavarian space port makes things easy - but how will Scharnhorst manage on other bodies? Mr Frankel would not speculate on that.

Being asked what jobs would the ship be doing in near-future, Mr Frankel became tight-lipped but he did hint that he's initiating negotiations with EU officials over some contracts.

Read our full profile of Sailer Freight Lines on page 39.

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Global News NetworkSpace News27th January 2021

EAF BECOMES SECOND NATION TO LAUNCH A SPACE SHIP

Orbit Spotters have just announced that they observed a vessel detaching from the EAF shipyard, though the craft is still remaining in Low Earth Orbit. We have reached EAF Publicity Ministry for comments.

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Global News NetworkSpace News7th February 2021

LIBERTADORES THE THIRD NATION WITH A SPACE SHIP

Over-excited Orbit Spotters have flooded the Internet today as it was confirmed that a ship, under it's own power, detached from the Libertadores orbital shipyard above the Amazon rainforest. There have been some speculation over the yard as it looks definitely smaller than the other shipyard that other Powers have but apparently it is functioning normally. We have asked the Libertadores Press Office for comments.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News7th February 2021

INDIA LAUNCHES SHIP SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH LIBERTADORES

A late sighting but it has now been confirmed - the very same day that the Libertadores' ship was launched, India launched her first space ship as well. It looks to be quite a bit bigger. GNN has reached out to India for any comments.

CIVIL UNREST IN LATIN AMERICA

Unrest in both Venezuela and Peru - are Libertadores behind it? Turn to page 21 to see what our experts think. In the last two months, there has been a string of violent incidents in both countries. Peru seems to be calming down, whereas Venezuela is still very active. Tourists are warned to stay away from both countries at the moment.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News8th February 2021

BOTH SHIPS HEAD TO LUNA

Optical tracking of the unknown Indian ship and the Libertadores Filosoraptor, revealed that they headed to Luna, though with greatly differing velocities. Filosoraptor made easily over 1000 km/s, while the Indian ship only made paltry ~90 km/s. Their thermal signatures are also very different. This has led our experts to speculate that India is actually using chemical rockets to propel its craft, instead of the Nuclear Thermal engines other power are using. See page 6 for more in-depth coverage.

DATE TRANSPORT STARTS MINING AT LUNA

Date Transport Limited, the only EAF civilian conglomerate investing in space exploration at the moment, has today announced the opening of its first mining complex, situated at Luna. Its exact coordinates were not released. This has caused an uproar in the United Nations, as there are no treaties regulating commercial, civilian exploitation of space. DTL is not expected to back down, as the firm has close ties to EAF political and military leadership, being the only civilian company on Earth to build, operate and own its own Mass Driver, that is currently being transported to Luna.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News19th February 2021

NUCLEAR EXPLOSION IN LIMA!

We have received multiple reports from near the capital of Peru, Lima, that what seems to be a nuclear explosion has racked the city. All communications into the city itself are offline. If this is true, then casualties must be on a massive scale. This would the first time since Hiroshima and Nagasaki that a nuclear device was used in a population centre. GNN is trying to get feed from - wait, wait-

We have just received a communication from the Shining Path, claiming responsibility for this attack. It is a response to the expansion of the EAF. We have been told to broadcast the following message:

A desperate situationForced to retaliationThe task ahead a burdenMen will suffer, that's for certainWe'll charging to the fireThe cause, we must inspireWe raise our fist to tyrannyA high price, freedom is not freeThe odds are stacked against usBut with our resolve relentlessAn arrogance their weaknessOur cause is just, we won't be beatenUpon this declarationWill come a grand new nationWhere men are seen as equalGoverned by and for the peopleSo we make our stand and prayOn this Declaration DayFor independence I will fightWith liberty I will defySo we make our stand and prayOn this Declaration DayGive me liberty or give me deathI'll fight 'till my last breath

This must be the worst act of terrorism in human history. There are eight and half million people living in the Lima Metropolitan area. Stay tuned viewers, GNN will keep updating as the situation unfolds.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News20th February 2012

EAF CALLS FOR AN INTERNATIONAL ANTI-TERROR CONFERENCE

EAF has announced its intention to hold an international conference and summit, named the "Lima Conference", to discuss yesterdays act of nuclear terrorism in the capital of Peru, Lima. GNN sources indicate that at least the European Union, the United States of America, the British Commonwealth and the Russian Federation are participating. Whether the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Caliphate, the African Union and the Libertadores are invited at all is unknown.

AMERICAN TROOPS LAND IN PANAMA

Brigadier General Tanya Perreira announced the arrival of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division to Panama. She confirmed that USA is returning to Panama to secure the Panama Channel Zone because of the instability recently in South-America. The government of Panama has also issued a similar declaration, though there has been no word of whether this is merely a temporal thing or whether the American troops are in Panama to stay.

RUMOURS OF NEW RUSSIAN SUPER-SENSOR FLY WILD

Immediately after the nuclear event in Lima yesterday, there have been rumours that the Russians have turned on some kind of new super-sensor. GNN currently has no details, technical or otherwise, of such sensor or its capabilities but the Internet is flush with speculation. Our analysts think that it must be connected with the bombing itself.

RADIATION LEVELS ON THE RISE BUT NOT DANGEROUS - YET

Scientists and observers around the world have been worried about the dangers of radioactive fallout from the Lima Event. Measurements taken so far indicate that the Radiation level is only 2, while the Atmospheric Dust level is merely 1. While higher than normal, the numbers are not worrisome, unless they keep rising.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News25th February 2012

LIMA CONFERENCE OVER

The EAF-hosted Lima Conference has just ended and the five powers have issued a joint statement:

All participants have agreed to form a joint peacekeeping initiative to protect the majority of the remaining independent American nations from the increasingly aggressive Libertadores and its associated left-wing terrorism.

In particular, the participants aim to prevent the red menace from subjecting all of the Americas to brutal socialism by joining forces and rapidly absorbing the nations in question into their respective spheres of interest. Should any foreign power dare to interfere with this noble pursuit, all of the above will join together in mutual defence.

The division of the affected nations is based upon historical, cultural and political ties, as well as general strategic interest.

GNN has already received reports that EAF units in Peru have crossed the border into Ecuador, just as American troops in Panama have expanded outwards from the Canal Zone. GNN will keep you, dear viewer, updated as the situation progresses.

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Global News NetworkEditorial25th February 2021

TENSIONS RISE IN LATIN AMERICA AS TROOPS MOVE IN

In the last five days, there have been some significant events happening in South-America. We now know that United States has not only secured Panama but various other Central American countries, in order to safeguard them against nuclear terrorism. While there have been some reports of civil disturbances, no outright violent clashes have taken place.

EAF, not content with mere crisis help in Peru, has launched its punitive raid over the border into Ecuador. While the government of Ecuador gravely protested at first, no help was forthcoming as all the Great Powers have agreed to follow the guidelines established during the Lima Conference or, alternatively, remained quiet. As of this writing, the situation in Ecuador is still unclear - conflicting reports tell of sharp clashes between the Japanese and Ecuadorian forces but also of overwhelming superiority of the EAF military machine in mobility as the flag of EAF is now flying in all major population centres and communication hubs.

Libertadores have not remained passive, even though five days ago it looked like that. Most likely helped by the results of the Lima Conference, their diplomats have managed to secure treaties of non-aggression, friendship and military access for 50 years from Bolivia, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname and Uruguay. As a result, units of the Libertadores armed forces moved into these countries yesterday. Now the question is: will Latin America remain divided or will there be war?

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Global News NetworkNews Bulletins6th March 2021

SKIRMISHES CONTINUE IN RURAL ECUADOR

GNN has received reports from fleeing peasants that there have been some clashes and skirmishes between EAF and Libertadores forces in the countryside of Ecuador. We currently have no direct sources as both participants bar entry for third-party news teams.

EU SWITCHES SHIPPING TO MARS

Our European trade correspondent has notified us that EU's space port in Bavaria is now the target of several train loads worth of cargo of mining equipment. Thus it seems clear now that EU has created a large enough colony infrastructure for mining operations and has thus switched to transporting the mines themselves to the Red Planet.

EAF SENDS MORE COLONISTS TO MARS

Kojiki Maru, the only space ship EAF has, recently left Earth carrying a new group of colonists. The space port in central Japan was swarmed for several days as thousands of people arrived and waited to be processed to orbit. EAF has not replied to the critics who argue that cryogenic freezing of colonists for space travel is unsafe and unethical.

NO SIGHT OF INDIAN SHIP

India's ship, that was noticeably slower than what EU, EAF and the Libertadores have sent out, hasn't been seen since it left towards the inner system. Neither has there been any sighting of the Libertadores vessel, Filosoraptor. It is presumed both are doing some sort of scientific exploration work with Venus and/or Mercury.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News15th May 2021

WIKILEAKS REVEALS TN-LASER SPECS!

In a stunning move, the whistleblowing website, WikiLeaks, has today published a full document that, according to the organization, "allows anyone with access to TN minerals and industry to build fully working Infrared Lasers". Our scientific expert, Dr Cleve Blakemore, especially admired the fact that the laser does not seem to overheat. Other GNN experts have pointed out that to weaponize the laser, a focal size of at least 10cm is required. Information on the costruction of such focals, or special mirrors, was not included in the WikiLeaks document. While the organization tries to safeguard the identity of its sources closely, analysts all agree that the true origin of the document is the EAF.

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Global News NetworkBreaking News17th May 2021

LUNA BOMBS EARTH!

Science-fiction fans would have immediately recalled Heinlein's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, as last night it was possible to witness the arrival of first semi-guided mineral packet, sent from the EAF Civilian Mining Colony on our satellite, to be received by the EAF Mass Driver in central Japan. While there were several protests at the UN General Assembly over the safety of other nations, everything went well and EAF Media Office announced that the packet arrived as planned and was promptly captured. Our science expert, Dr Cleveland Blakemore was unable to comment, as he is busy solving the mystery of magnets.

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News27th May 2021

INDIA OUT OF CORUNDIUM

Persistent rumours of slow downs amongst the massive Indian construction project of Automated Mines have now been put to rest as the whole project was cancelled. It is assumed that India ran out of Corundium. At the moment, GNN does not know how many Automated Mines India managed to construct, though some analysts think that the number is "several dozens, at least".

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Global News NetworkIndustrial News23rd June 2021:

EARTH RUNS OUT OF URIDIUM

Today geologists world over sighed jointly when the Indian mines sucked out the last pieces of Uridium out of Earth's core. It is the fourth TN-mineral to run out, leaving only seven left. Next mineral to run out is estimated to be Neutronium, followed shortly by Mercassium. Boronide, Vendarite, Sorium and Gallicite are believed to still exist in quite substantial numbers and the Duranium veins are expected to last for seventeen years with current excavation rates.

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And that's it, so far. Again, I urge those who find this thread interesting to read the full thread over at RPGCodex, as the RP posts from the players are quite entertaining.